..the highest ranking EU member state in this year's Innovation Union Scoreboard, unveiled by the European Commission.

Sweden leads the way! At least when it comes to innovation. Innovation rankings show the European Union trailing behind the US, Japan and South Korea. Still, Sweden was the highest ranking EU member state, though Switzerland ranked highest in Europe (Switzerland is not a member of the EU). After Sweden, the three highest EU countries on the list were Denmark, Germany and Finland. Romania, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Latvia were the lowest-ranked member states.

The countries were judged in three main categories:
1. Whether they have a strong base for innovation to grow
2. Whether the firms are investing in innovation and
3. Whether innovation is leading to benefits for the economy.

Says the European commissioner for research, innovation and science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn: “We need balanced national research and innovation systems that provide an innovation-friendly environment for business.”
Sweden leads innovation in an otherwise slow Europe, which is trailing behind the US, Japan, and South Korea. After Sweden, the three highest EU countries on the list were Denmark, Germany and Finland. Romania, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Latvia were the lowest-ranked member states.